Comments on: Cinema Autopsy’s predictions for the 81st Academy Awards http://blog.cinemaautopsy.com/2009/02/19/cinema-autopsy%e2%80%99s-predictions-for-the-81st-academy-awards/ Film reviews, criticism and discussion by Thomas Caldwell Tue, 07 Sep 2010 05:45:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Thomas Caldwell http://blog.cinemaautopsy.com/2009/02/19/cinema-autopsy%e2%80%99s-predictions-for-the-81st-academy-awards/#comment-101 Thomas Caldwell Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:10:19 +0000 http://blog.cinemaautopsy.com/?p=1472#comment-101 <a href="http://blog.cinemaautopsy.com/2009/02/24/cinema-autopsy-on-the-81st-academy-awards-ceremony-and-winners/" rel="nofollow">Cinema Autopsy on the 81st Academy Awards ceremony and winners</a> Cinema Autopsy on the 81st Academy Awards ceremony and winners

]]> By: moogirl22 http://blog.cinemaautopsy.com/2009/02/19/cinema-autopsy%e2%80%99s-predictions-for-the-81st-academy-awards/#comment-96 moogirl22 Sat, 21 Feb 2009 03:05:13 +0000 http://blog.cinemaautopsy.com/?p=1472#comment-96 I think the main factor in Gabriel telling them to stuff themselves was the fact that he needs a big band and choir and whatnot to actually perform the song. It'd be pointless to drag all those people out for a 65 second performance, which would barely squeeze in the first chorus. I think the main factor in Gabriel telling them to stuff themselves was the fact that he needs a big band and choir and whatnot to actually perform the song. It’d be pointless to drag all those people out for a 65 second performance, which would barely squeeze in the first chorus.

]]> By: Thomas Caldwell http://blog.cinemaautopsy.com/2009/02/19/cinema-autopsy%e2%80%99s-predictions-for-the-81st-academy-awards/#comment-94 Thomas Caldwell Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:01:40 +0000 http://blog.cinemaautopsy.com/?p=1472#comment-94 I'd forgotten about Springsteen's song from <em>The Wrestler</em>. Why on Earth wasn't that nominated? It's not like there wasn't room for another song (or in fact another two songs) to get nominated. Very strange. I think they are trying to put together a faster moving show and feedback has indicated that the songs do slow proceedings down a bit - I know that in the past I've been guilty of flicking channels when the songs get performed, but that is usually because the songs are crap. At first I thought Gabriel was being a bit precious about not performing as "Down To Earth" is 6 minutes long so asking him for a condensed version seemed reasonable. But I hadn't realised that they wanted him to cut it down to 65 seconds, which is ridiculous. I blame the <em>Idol</em> factor - people are now used to hearing songs being performed as brief sound-bites instead of listening to the entire song. I was actually surprised that <em>Australia</em> didn't get much a look in either as you are right, the Academy usually loves that stuff. At the same time, the 'beautiful' cinematography and art direction of <em>Australia</em> was a bit by numbers so I'm glad it is not included. The Academy are funny about awarding people in recognition of their previous work, which is why Fincher and Boyle do have a good chance. Then again, Van Sant is due a quite a bit of recognition too. Anyway, it's good to have a Fincher fan around these parts. I've long argued that <em>Se7en</em> and <em>Fight Club</em> are modern masterpieces. I’d forgotten about Springsteen’s song from The Wrestler. Why on Earth wasn’t that nominated? It’s not like there wasn’t room for another song (or in fact another two songs) to get nominated. Very strange. I think they are trying to put together a faster moving show and feedback has indicated that the songs do slow proceedings down a bit – I know that in the past I’ve been guilty of flicking channels when the songs get performed, but that is usually because the songs are crap. At first I thought Gabriel was being a bit precious about not performing as “Down To Earth” is 6 minutes long so asking him for a condensed version seemed reasonable. But I hadn’t realised that they wanted him to cut it down to 65 seconds, which is ridiculous. I blame the Idol factor – people are now used to hearing songs being performed as brief sound-bites instead of listening to the entire song.

I was actually surprised that Australia didn’t get much a look in either as you are right, the Academy usually loves that stuff. At the same time, the ‘beautiful’ cinematography and art direction of Australia was a bit by numbers so I’m glad it is not included.

The Academy are funny about awarding people in recognition of their previous work, which is why Fincher and Boyle do have a good chance. Then again, Van Sant is due a quite a bit of recognition too. Anyway, it’s good to have a Fincher fan around these parts. I’ve long argued that Se7en and Fight Club are modern masterpieces.

]]> By: moogirl22 http://blog.cinemaautopsy.com/2009/02/19/cinema-autopsy%e2%80%99s-predictions-for-the-81st-academy-awards/#comment-91 moogirl22 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:21:28 +0000 http://blog.cinemaautopsy.com/?p=1472#comment-91 Ron Howard did <em>The Da Vinci Code</em>? Ew. I agree with your thoughts on <em>WALL·E</em> for best original score, but I actually liked <em>Slumdog Millionaire's</em> music - one of the best things about it. I am still baffled at Bruce Springsteen's exclusion from the Best Song category, and even more baffled at <em>Slumdog's</em> two nominations. Even more baffling is that they told Peter Gabriel his performance could only be 65 seconds long and is therefore boycotting the event (you go, man) -- wouldn't they be struggling for entertainment given the smaller number of Best Song nominees? I have no idea what they're going to do for entertainment, given the <em>Slumdog</em> songs will probably be mashed into one like what they did with <em>Dreamgirls</em> a while back. I find the lack of nominations for <em>Australia</em> to be astounding - I didn't expect any of the major categories, but at least (in addition to their single nomination for Costume) for Art Direction, and possibly cinematography. Usually the Academy loves stuff like that. And it's sad, because it will most likely not even get the Best Costume award because of <em>The Duchess</em>. :( For best director, whilst I have only seen <em>Slumdog</em> and <em>Ben Button</em> out of the nominees, I would FAR prefer Fincher to get it - and not for the reason most give in that he should have gotten it for <em>Zodiac</em> or <em>Se7en</em> and that this is some sort of "sorry we didn't give you one then, but here you go". I think he did a really great job with that film. That said, I am assuming to change this opinion when I finally see <em>Milk</em> - high expectations. :D One thing I find quite sad is that whilst Ledger is set to win Best Supporting Actor, the nominees would be basically neck-to-neck if he had stayed alive. And I VERY much agree with your prediction of Cruz taking away the statue for <em>VCB</em> - brilliant performance (I liked the film too). Her line about wanting to kill Cristina is pure gold. Ron Howard did The Da Vinci Code? Ew.

I agree with your thoughts on WALL·E for best original score, but I actually liked Slumdog Millionaire’s music – one of the best things about it. I am still baffled at Bruce Springsteen’s exclusion from the Best Song category, and even more baffled at Slumdog’s two nominations. Even more baffling is that they told Peter Gabriel his performance could only be 65 seconds long and is therefore boycotting the event (you go, man) — wouldn’t they be struggling for entertainment given the smaller number of Best Song nominees? I have no idea what they’re going to do for entertainment, given the Slumdog songs will probably be mashed into one like what they did with Dreamgirls a while back.

I find the lack of nominations for Australia to be astounding – I didn’t expect any of the major categories, but at least (in addition to their single nomination for Costume) for Art Direction, and possibly cinematography. Usually the Academy loves stuff like that. And it’s sad, because it will most likely not even get the Best Costume award because of The Duchess. :(

For best director, whilst I have only seen Slumdog and Ben Button out of the nominees, I would FAR prefer Fincher to get it – and not for the reason most give in that he should have gotten it for Zodiac or Se7en and that this is some sort of “sorry we didn’t give you one then, but here you go”. I think he did a really great job with that film. That said, I am assuming to change this opinion when I finally see Milk – high expectations. :D

One thing I find quite sad is that whilst Ledger is set to win Best Supporting Actor, the nominees would be basically neck-to-neck if he had stayed alive. And I VERY much agree with your prediction of Cruz taking away the statue for VCB – brilliant performance (I liked the film too). Her line about wanting to kill Cristina is pure gold.

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